The new Stereophonics single is inspired by frontman Kelly Jones’ gay daughter and her coming out story
Kelly Jones of the Stereophonics. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
Stereophonics front-person Kelly Jones has revealed that his daughter is gay and the band’s new track ‘Fly Like an Eagle’ was inspired by her coming out.
The 45-year-old’s eldest daughter Bootsy coming out to her father was adapted into the new song and accompanying music video, part of the band’s 11th studio album Kind.
Jones spoke of how after writing a treatment for the video, he approached his 15-year-old daughter to ask if she had a similar experience.
‘When I showed it to Bootsy for the first time, she broke down and gave me a hug,’ says Stereophonics’ Kelly Jones.
Speaking to The Sun, Jones said: “It was inspired by my and Bootsy’s story.
“I wrote a treatment and showed it to Bootsy, who is gay, and asked, ‘Is this accurate to what you were experiencing?’ Boots said it was.”
The Welsh singer added: “When I showed it to Bootsy for the first time, she broke down and gave me a hug.
“It’s a powerful video which had to be done right. Bootsy coming out was a big thing for her and a big thing for us, her family – and all the band were behind it.”
Speaking about Bootsy, Jones said: “She’s cool and she’s happy. She’s got a girlfriend, goes to school wearing trousers and has cut her hair.
“I’m pleased she told me about it first, as we’ve got an open relationship. We talk a lot.”
Reflecting on the current cultural climate, Jones, who soared to fame with the Stereophonics in the late 90s and early 2000s, said that coming out more than a decade ago would have been more difficult compared to today.
“People have gone through their whole lives hiding their true sexuality,” he explained.
“Not with Bootsy. I’m glad we live in different times now.
“Teenagers finding their identity is a bit punk-rock.”
The video, which stars Peaky Blinders actor Charlie Creed-Miles, also described how director Charlotte Regan “interpreted [Bootsy’s story] really well”.
